Head of school Brad Shelley announced today that lower school principal David D’Ercole has accepted the lower school director position with Dawson School in Lafayette, Colo., beginning with the 2020-21 school year. Additionally, Brad shared that Molly Doherty, lower school curriculum coordinator and instructional coach, will take on the responsibilities of interim principal for the 2020-21. The school will begin a national search for a lower school principal in the fall.

Brad said, “While I am disappointed that David is leaving Pembroke Hill, I am excited for him as he embarks on this new opportunity. I appreciate David’s dedication to our lower school community for the past six years and the numerous initiatives and enhancements he has brought to the division.

Under David’s leadership, the lower school implemented a comprehensive approach to technology integration and an instructional coaching program while adding a curriculum coordinator, innovation coach and Wornall Campus counselor to help us better serve our students. Additionally, with David’s guidance, the division undertook an extensive evaluation of the master schedule, which resulted in significant changes that focused on how to best support our students and faculty and enhance teaching and learning.

Brad said of Molly’s elevation to interim lower school principal, “Molly brings a wealth of experience as well as an understanding of our school culture, the lower school curriculum and the unique needs of our students and faculty."

Before Molly joined Pembroke Hill five years ago, she was principal of St. James Catholic School in Liberty for 15 years and assistant principal of St. Thomas More Catholic School in south Kansas City. She holds a master’s degree in school administration from The University of Missouri-Kansas City and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education (minor in early childhood education) from Missouri State University.

Brad said he is proceeding with an interim principal because it keeps the lower school strong and gives the school time to identify the very best person to lead the division. “In these challenging circumstances, it would be difficult to conduct the type of search that I believe our lower school community deserves,” Brad explained. “I am extremely grateful to Molly for accepting this new role for 2020-21, and I know, with her leadership, the lower school faculty and staff will continue to serve our students and families in an exemplary manner.”